Herbicidal 4-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrodiphenyl ethers

Abstract

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trihalomethyl group, an alkyl group, or a cyano group, Y is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a trihalomethyl group, and Z is a substituted alkoxy group, and compositions containing these compounds exhibit herbicidal activity.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A herbicidal composition which comprises a compound of the formula ##STR9## wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group, or a (C 1  -C 4 ) alkyl group, Y is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a trifluoromethyl group, and   Z is an unsubstituted amino group, an amino group having one or both hydrogen atoms replaced by one or two unsubstituted or halo-, hydroxy- or alkoxy-substituted alkyl groups having a total of up to 6 carbon atoms and an agronomically-acceptable carrier.   
     
     
       2. A composition according to claim 1 which also comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
       3. A method of controlling weeds which comprises applying to the surface of the growth medium prior to the emergence of the weeds from the growth medium a compound according to claim 1 in an amount sufficient to control the growth of the weeds. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein the compound is applied at a rate of about 0.1 to about 12 pounds per acre. 
     
     
       5. A method of controlling weeds which comprises applying to weed seedlings a compound of the formula ##STR10## wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group, or a (C 1  -C 4 ) alkyl group, Y is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a trifluoromethyl group, and   Z is an unsubstituted amino group, an amino group having one or both hydrogen atoms replaced by one or two unsubstituted or halo-, hydroxy- or alkoxy-substituted alkyl groups having a total of up to 6 carbon atoms and an agronomically-acceptable carrier.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5 wherein the compound is applied at a rate of about 0.1 to about 12 pounds per acre. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 4 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is an unsubstituted amino group. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 4 wherein Z is an alkylamino group. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 8 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is an ethylamino group. 
     
     
       10. The method according to claim 4 wherein Z is a dialkylamino group. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 10 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is a dimethylamino group. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 10 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is diethylamino group. 
     
     
       13. The method according to claim 10 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is a dipropylamino group. 
     
     
       14. The method according to claim 4 wherein Z is a halo-, hydro-, or alkoxy-substituted alkylamino group. 
     
     
       15. The method according to claim 4 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is a hydroxyethylamino group. 
     
     
       16. The method according to claim 12 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is a hydroxymethylethylamino group. 
     
     
       17. The method according to claim 12 wherein X is a chlorine atom and Z is a hydroxyethylethylamino group.